Ruby’s, Cha Cha’s, and Others Will Likely Return to Coney Island This Year

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The Cyclone is getting ready for its opening day (first 100 ride free!), but what about that other Coney Island institution, Ruby’s? Owner Michael Sarrel tells us “It appears that we will be signing a new lease, although it’s not a done deal.” Even better news: Sarrel says all of the boardwalk businesses, including Cha Cha’s, will be returning (minus Lola Staar — and Beer Island will have a smaller lot). So is Joe Sitt, who had doubled the rent, cutting Ruby’s a break? “It’s still a work in progress, but it doesn’t appear that way,” Sarrel says. His new lease will only be for a year. Then there’s the fact that the wooden boardwalk near Ruby’s has been stripped. The city plans to have the boards replaced by Easter Sunday (Ruby’s usual opening date), but Sarrel will believe it when he sees it. So what amusements can we expect this year? “The amusements will be the characters that come to Coney Island!” Sarrel laughs. Amen to that!